King James Version

What Does Psalms 37:27 Mean?

Psalms 37:27 in the King James Version says “Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.”

Psalms 37:27 · KJV

Context

25

I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

26

He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. ever: Heb. all the day

27

Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.

28

For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

29

The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Depart from evil, and do good (סוּר מֵרָע וַעֲשֵׂה־טוֹב, sur mera va'aseh-tov)—the two imperatives present both negative (turn away) and positive (actively pursue) morality. Sur (depart/turn aside) requires decisive break from wickedness; asah (do/make) demands constructive righteousness. Christianity is neither mere avoidance nor mere activism but both: "abstain from all appearance of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:22) and "let us do good unto all men" (Galatians 6:10). And dwell for evermore (וּשְׁכֹן לְעוֹלָם, ushkon le'olam)—shakan (dwell/abide) promises permanent residence, eternal security.

This verse structures covenant obedience: repentance (turning from evil) + sanctification (doing good) = eternal dwelling with God. The New Testament echoes this: "Let him eschew evil, and do good" (1 Peter 3:11). Permanent dwelling anticipates the New Jerusalem where "nothing that defileth" shall enter (Revelation 21:27).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The command recalls Israel's covenant choice: "I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life" (Deuteronomy 30:19). Post-exilic Jews pondered this during Babylonian exile, when failing to depart from evil led to losing their dwelling place, making restoration contingent on covenant renewal.

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific evils do you need to decisively turn away from, and what good must you actively pursue to replace them?
  2. How does eternal dwelling with God motivate present moral choices?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
ס֣וּר1 of 6

“Depart”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מֵ֭רָע2 of 6

“from evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

וַעֲשֵׂה3 of 6

“and do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

ט֗וֹב4 of 6

“good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

וּשְׁכֹ֥ן5 of 6

“and dwell”

H7931

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

לְעוֹלָֽם׃6 of 6

“for evermore”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 37:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 37:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 34:14Proverbs 16:61 John 2:16-171 Thessalonians 5:15Hebrews 13:16Titus 2:11-14

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